Posts for September 2016

Romans 4:18-21 – Abram hopes, strengthened by God’s promise, for a son

Why don’t you try and work out the anagram of Joseph Alleine’s name and see the message it spells out. Remember we are replacing the ‘J’ in Joseph with an ‘I’.

And in ‘Hope in the Maze’ try and find your way to the GOAL but if you get stuck there’s help in any one of the 5 promises of God:- Joel 2:25, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 and 2 Timothy 4:8.

On Wednesday and Thursday prayers are said in church at 8.30am. On Friday prayers are said during the communion service which begins at 8.00am. On Saturday morning, parish prayers are said at 9.30am. You are welcome to join us at these times and may I encourage you to do so. However, we would like prayers to be said on Monday and Tuesday mornings at St Mary’s and we are looking for people to lead these (maybe on a rota basis i.e. once a month). The prayers are in a set format and include Bible readings. The time this happens can be negotiated and assistance given if needed. Is God calling you to do this important ministry of praying for our benefice? Please see Shelia or Jean Lee if you would like to offer.

Worship@5 – Sometimes life seems both impossible and hopeless. How do we lift our spirits and defeat our demons? Dennis will lead Worship@5 on 18th September on the theme ‘How can I hope against hope?’Join us to find out more. You’re welcome to come early for a cuppa and a chat from 4.30pm onwards.

As we begin to journey into the colour of the autumn season, church activities are beginning to recommence and final touches are happening to our planning and preparation.

“Pudding Party”

One new initiative is to provide a meeting place and fellowship for younger church members who are in paid employment. At 7.30pm on 3rd December in the Coffee Shop, we are hosting a “Pudding Party” and we would love to see as many folk come to taste what will be a wonderful array of desserts. Do put this date in your diary. It will be great fun!

“A Tour of St Mary’s by Candlelight”

Another new idea this year will be “A Tour of St Mary’s by Candlelight.” Dennis and Rod will be taking folk around the church, explaining the history, telling stories and we will finish with refreshments in the Coffee Shop. This will replace our usual outreach to the shoppers and the dates and time will follow soon.

There will be a bring and share lunch after the 10.00am service on the 2nd October. This is open to all and if you would like to come then please sign up on the sheet at the back of church. We suggest a donation of £2 per person to cover additional costs (drinks etc.).

Gifts will be collected for The Open Door, a church-supported charity for the homeless in Taunton. A retiring collection at the 10.00am service will go to All We Can. All We Can is a Methodist based charity and exists to help people in the world’s poorest communities become all that they can.

We are pleased to announce that we are well on our way to raising the £250,000 needed to restore our Father Willis organ. This is an incredible amount and we would like to thank all for their generous donations. If you would like to keep abreast of our progress or maybe even make a donation yourself, you can do so at our MyDonate page.

Full details of the Organ renovation appeal and how you can help us by sponsoring a pipe (or pipes!) can be found on our Organ Project page.

Have you ever thought if you would like to learn more about your faith? Have you considered what being a Christian really means? This October, there is an opportunity to take part in the seven week Christianity Explored Course that our Vicar, Rod Corke, will be leading. Church members who have taken part before have enjoyed the experience which is informal (although you will not be put in any embarrassing situation).

We start on Wednesday 19th October, 7 pm in the Upper Room and continue through to the 30th November. Everyone invited.

The sign up sheet and table promoting the course are at the back of the church.

Just out of interest, the War Memorial outside the church, has been grade two listed this week. I am often asked what the symbols around it stand for. They are symbols of Holy Week – the tunic torn, the crucifixion nails, etc. If you have not spotted these – have a look. The Dedication of the Field of Remembrance is a short service that is traditionally held at the memorial on the Thursday before Remembrance Sunday. However, this year it will be held on Friday (11th of the 11th) and be coordinated with the Town Remembrance.